Simple Simon
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Posts posted by Simple Simon
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I work flexible hours, so anytime is fine by me. But I suspect the others are limited to weedends and evenings.
By the way, Paul (the photography guy) is also an UnLtd award winner as is Heather Noble, currently the Chair of Oswestry Chamber of Commerce.
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And another thing...although Shropshire Council welcome input and comment, they prefer digital communication. So, if you know anyone offline that may be affected, please inform them and speak on their behalf.
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I attended a short training course toward the end of last year about consulting the community at SCC (and they were using the Gobowen Playing Field consultation resources as one example) and not long after I was having a chat with Andy and he stated that UnLtd had been in talks with the organisation.
I've had this ongoing conversation with Andy about how they spread the word, and I've always argued that UnLtd are not reaching the sorts of people they need to reach. By that I mean, most, if not all of us (here) are in some way involved in the community. I know that UnLtd are pro-active in that they actually go into the communities and speak to different people at a variety of events
I don't have any answers, but I guess conversations need to take place in local nurseries, pubs, shops, the Post Office etc. My big fear is that, horror or horror (gulp)...councillors will get involved (ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
The Big Local has the same problem...(cubed).
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Oh Nickie...there are loads of Star People lurking around in these threads... :)
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Hi, I am starting my own small business and need some advice on creating a logo/simple website. If you can help then please send a PM. Many thanks in advance!! :o)
I've sent you a PM with my details. I hope I can help you.
Good luck.
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I did see a programme on telly the other day on this subject. It did suggest that the leaks into the water supply was the result of poor practice and that the quakes are a natural result of any kind of underground working (coal mining, for example).
The programme didn't address the problem of burning yet more fossil fuels and releasing more pollution into the atmosphere, so there is a debate to be had here.
On a personal note, I sometimes feel my regular updates in the Coffee Lounge maybe stifling other more interesting conversations. If this is the case, let me know and I'll restrict my additions to the "Sustainable Transport" thread.
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Selattyn & Gobowen Council have a good play area. A couple of years ago they went through a consultation process to gather information on what new equipment to buy. It involved setting up maps in the local school and library and doing open feedback sessions in the pavilion to get public feedback but results were inconclusive.
In the end, some items that were purchased proved very popular, others much less so. The site for the play equipment is well established, but I remember many people kicking up a fuss about the location of the new gossip shelter some years ago.
On a similar note, the MUGA can be a bit noisy with some kids constantly kicking a ball at the wire fencing. When the item was first built the council did get complaints, but these dropped off in time. But they've resurfaced with the construction and occupation of some of the new houses opposite on St. Martins Road. My guess is that properties purchased close to playing fields and play equipment are going to appeal more to young families rather than retired couples.
These are just observations that I hope are of some help.
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I've noticed a jobseeker is using the notice board outside the Co-op in Gobowen to request local work. The notice board there was put up by the parish council to inform people about parish council activities and local community events.
However, it set me wandering about jobseekers using a dedicated section on CO to advertise their skills to local businesses. Is that possible, or is it getting a little too close to advertising?
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I have an update on this one, Mrs G:
A large number of local people signed the petition and it was given to David Lloyd MBE who helpfully took it to Shropshire Council.
Yesterday (19th June 2013) at 9.30am I noticed two cars parked at the entrance to Fernhill Lane just off St. Martins Road. They were doing a head count of parents and children crossing St. Martins Road and going up School Lane to the School. I got talking to one of the people carrying out the survey and was told that surprisingly few people crossed the road at that point on that day. He asked if there was another way for pupils and parents from the West Place estate could cross the road and I could only suggest further up St. Martins Road by Gobowen Library.
It was stated that parents and pupils had been observed crossing the main road from both sides of the Fernhill Lane junction and that if a new crossing was built a fence would also have to be included to channel crossers. I said it was unlikely that a fence would be included in these tough economic times. He agreed, but pointed out that Morda Primary School has a similiar number of pupils to Gobowen School, was able to get a crossing with fence - but one of their Governors is Joyce Barrow (whoever she is).
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Yep. There are loads of cycle clubs in the area and I'm currently looking at trying to get a grant for a trailer (perhaps one that can carry at least 15 bikes) that everyone can use.
Then there's the problem of find a bus that can tow it, storage and insurance.
I'm sure it would be possible. The trains don't allow for more than two cycles on a carriage. The local mini bus hire company can only take 6 cycles. I'm sure a coach company would make money if they had a special service tailored to transporting large groups of cyclists.
My car is too small to carry a bike, so it would be great to organise a group cycle ride around an area other than Oswestry.
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“Bank of Dave – How I took on the Banks” by Dave Fishwick
In essence this book tells the story of how a successful Burnley businessman who was so disgusted with our banking system and the people that manage them that he decided to set one up himself for the benefit of his local community.
Dave gives himself a 180 day deadline to get a bank up and running offering loans to local businesses whilst giving 5% interest to savers. On the way he discovers that he has to negotiate a number of obstacles that the Financial Services Authority place in his way. The same institution that regulates our major financial institutions that, to Dave’s consternation, allows them to gamble with “our” money, bring the country to its knees with bails out yet still manages to accept massive bonuses to the people that run them.
Dave’s “common sense” approach to business recommends the need for the banks to start lending to people again by meeting them, getting to know their needs and giving real advice rather than looking up their personal credit rating on a computer.
Told in a very abrupt but humorous style, Fishwick tells it like it is. If you’ve seen him on the Channel 4 documentaries you’ll know he’s a short guy full of enthusiasm and determination.
The final line of the book is the most telling: “Remember: never give up; never, ever give up...”
Recommended. The book will be back in Gobowen Library later this week.
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It would be great to spend a summer day cycling around the coast of North Wales. Routes 5 through Conwy and 8 from Dolgellau to Barmouth look good.
The trouble is getting there!
Having asked at Gobowen Station about how many cycles a carriage can handle, the reply was just 2.
Are there any local coach companies that can do a good deal on carrying 15 or so cyclists with their cycles?
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Did anyone attend the Big Local Breakfast the other day? It would be nice to have some thoughts on the event.
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I have a feeling that they prefer you to register in advance as it gives them some idea of how much grub they have to lay on. Having said that, I'm sure they'd be happy if people just showed up.
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Free Tennis Sessions for Young People @ The Sports Court, Gobowen Playing Fields, St. Martins Road, Gobowen on Thursday 30th May & Friday 31st May.
The course will run for 2 x 45 minute sessions:
1st session for younger children
2nd session for children aged 9+
All equipment provided, no need to book, just wear suitable trainers
FREE cold drinks provided
ALL WELCOME!
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I've heard that they a going to construct a special play area for the kids next door to the coffee shop, so my guess is that this is all part of a marketing campaign to get more punters in.
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Now, what have Weston Rhyn and St. Martins got?
What's popular and what's not?
What items of equipment cause the most problems?
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Gobowen to start:
A Multi-Use Games Area: Very popular with kids of all ages who like to kick the ball against the wire fences. The noise causes problems with some nearby residents. The area does fill up with litter very quickly and the surface is easily damaged as kids like to ride their bikes through it. It also gets chewing gum stuck to the surface. The wire fencing loosens and splits in the goal area. Very little use for actual matches (backetball/tennis/5 aside etc). Mostly used for kick-arounds.
Gossip Shelter: Very popular with kids. During the summer they like to climb onto the roof. Gets marked with graffiti.
Car Climber (climbing frame): Popular with very young children.
Rocket Climber (climbing frame): I don't see much evidence of use of this item.
Ladder Climber (climbing frame): Again, I don't see much evidence of use.
Mound slides: These are used but get very dirty in winter.
Toddler Swings: Very popular with young children but the seats do decay.
Junior Swings: Very popular, although teenagers role the seats up so they can sit higher.
Multi-Play (a wooden climbing frame with slide and hanging tyre and hand rings): Popular but very dilapidated and rotten in places. The surfacing around this equipment gets waterlogged in winter.
Quad Flyer (a sort of aerial merry-go-round for teenagers): No sign of use.
Bird Nest Swing: Very popular.
Aerial Runway: Very popular.
Cross Springer: Very popular although the surface around the equipment get worn down.
Single Springer: Very popular but the surface around the equipment gets worn down.
A Junior Football Pitch: Tatty with uneven surface and rusting goal posts.
A Senior Football Pitch (but not full sized): Suffers from mole hills and people walking their dogs over it (even just before a match). Very popular for matches and just kick-arounds.
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Please can you upload details of the council run playing fields and play equipment in your village. I would be really interested in what's popular, what's not, what's needed etc.
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Still on the subject of books, I've managed to get Dave Fishwick's "Bank of Dave - How I Took on the Banks" out on loan from Gobowen Library today. The strap line to the blurb on the back reads "Dave knows nothing about banking. He has no qualifications. He's nothing like a banker. What could possibly go wrong?"
I'll upload my review when I finish it.
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And to kick off:
Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mocking Bird" that I recently borrowed from Gobowen Library.
I've been a fan of the tall American actor Gregory Peck having seen his later work in films such as "The Sea Wolves", "The Omen", "The Boys from Brazil" and "The Scarlet and the Black". In the 1960's, not long after the novel was first published, Peck starred as Atticus Finch in the film adaptation, but I still haven't had the chance to see it.
The book is set in the Deep South of the 1930s and is told from the point of view of a young girl, Scout Finch and her changing relationship with older brother Jem and best friend Dill. Their father is a lawyer defending a black man accused of raping a white girl and how this situation has an effect on the family.
At 309 pages, the actual trial of the accused man doesn't really become central until at least two thirds into the book, and even then it's just a chapter or so long - so this is by no means a court room drama. It's more about how children become aware of what is going on around them.
Well worth a read.
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This is a good place to share your views on anything. It could be an event you've attended, something you've participated in, something you've seen or read, a meeting, an activity...anything!
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Yes:
We have the Rose Queen event organised by Preeshenlle United Reformed Church on Gobowen Playing Field on Sat 8th June and there's the National Play Day, again held on Gobowen Playing Field. That's sometime in early August but I don't have the dates yet. You will need to contact Julie Ruler for that.
In addition, Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council are organising 2 Free tennis sessions for kids on 30th and 31st May. You will have to contact the Parish Clerk for more details of that. All these events will appear here in the calendar section.
All the best.
Would you like some money for an idea that will benefit your local community?
in Coffee Lounge
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The Gobowen I.T. Learning Project recently had an award from UnLtd.
I think there are others in the area and that are on CO that have also had awards.